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Need a little extra good cheer? Well, the U.S. Congress just passed legislation that will help protect military dogs. Included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, the measure will help streamline the adoption process of retired military dogs and authorize a system of veterinary care at no expense to taxpayers. The Defense Authorization bill now moves to President Barack Obama for his signature.

“Military dogs are true heroes—they play a critical role in our nation’s defense,” says Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Government Relations. “These amazing dogs have been loyal to us in extreme circumstances and deserve to be properly cared for and adopted into good homes after such unwavering service to their country. We thank Senator Blumenthal and Representative Jones for ensuring these heroic dogs’ health and well-being is properly cared for.”

This provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the leadership of Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in the U.S. Senate and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both legislators introduced similar legislation to assist military dogs, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, earlier this year.

‘Tis the season…to pat yourself on the back! Thanks to our awesome supporters, thousands of animals are home for the holidays—for the very first time.

These animals include one of our favorite cats ever, Dasher.

The ASPCA removed Dasher from a hoarding situation. Though he had been suffering for a long time when we met him, he was still cheerful and outgoing. He loved all people. He loved other cats. Heck, he even loved dogs. Everyone loved him right back.

Even so, Dasher had a hard time finding a home. In addition to being FIV-positive, Dasher had very sensitive skin. He needed prescription food, medication and regular dental care at the vet.

But things turned around for Dasher in September, when Ben P. and Jenn Q. walked in to the ASPCA. Dasher confidently marched up to them for a snuggle, and Ben and Jenn fell in love with him on the spot. Magical!

Today, Dasher is Jenn’s constant shadow, cuddling on her lap or following her around the apartment, unless he’s busy batting around toy mice or a stray bottle cap. Whatever he’s doing, Jenn says, he’s always adding an extra dose of happiness to her home and putting a smile on everyone’s face.

We never forget that without you, Dasher would have never received this second chance. Thanks for being there for him!

ASPCA supporters are essential in our efforts to end animal cruelty and serve as a trusted resource for pet parents. While we depend on your generosity to meet our goals, we understand that not everyone is in a position to donate to the cause.

Here are a few fun and effective ways you can make a difference for animals in need:

Cesar Perez is the ASPCA’s Office Services manager. Last month he adopted Trolley, an amazing office foster kitty who now has his own hilarious blog. Here’s his adoption story:

I met Trolley on one of my morning walks around the office.

I would see Trolley inside his office, at the highest point inside of his favorite box. He rarely came down from his box, so I had no idea what great personality and marvelous tail he had.

This was until I decided to open the door. He sprang out of the box and came toward me and let out a chirp as to kind of say “Hello, glad to see you finally decided to walk in and say hi.”

I sat in a chair with a brush in hand and he walked onto my lap and let me pet and comb him. I let out a laugh when he started to play fight with the brush.

It was a good friendship for a few weeks; I’d visit for a while in the morning or evenings and tell him, “Trolley, you will have a bigger home soon. You are too awesome to not go home.”

On November 17, my girlfriend Jelissa and I had moved into our new home. By November 21 Trolley was coming home. He is a perfect addition and is our baby. He truly enjoys our home and the space, darting around fast and playing hide-and-seek and catch.

I’d love to thank the ASPCA for giving me the opportunity to meet and adopt Trolley. There are some great cats here at with amazing personalities just waiting to find a home.

Friday is the first day of winter, and while we might be dreaming of a snowy holiday, icy conditions can present challenges for our pets’ health.

“During the winter, products used as de-icers on sidewalks and other areas can lead to trouble for our animal companions,” says Dr. Louise Murray, veterinarian and Vice President of the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “Pet parents should take precautions to minimize their furry friends' exposure to such agents.”

Keep these tips in mind when you bring your furry friends along for the neighborhood snowball fight:

•Bring a towel on long walks to clean off irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.

•Booties for your pet’s paws help minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous anti-freeze and chemical ice-melting agents. They can also help prevent irritating sand and salt from getting lodged in between bare toes.

•Massage petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside to protect them from salt and chemical agents. Also, moisturizing can help heal chapped paws.